Hello all,
My mom and I are planning a trip to the West Coast next New Year's for the Rose Parade, and I was thinking of adding a couple days at Disneyland to the trip. Would you recommend before (around Dec 26/27th) or after (around Jan3/4th)? Would the holiday decorations still be up after New Year's?
Also, I'm not sure how to tour Disneyland. I've been to Walt Disney World 10 times, but my only experience with Disneyland is a day trip in May 2013--drove down for the day while on vacation in Los Angeles. I know it has changed even since then, especially with the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge opening.
So what is some advice you would give for 2 days at Disneyland in January, second time ever (well, technically third for my mom, although her first visit was in 1985)? I know park hoppers are a must. What are the best hotel options? The 3 on-property hotels are way out of budget :S
TIA for your answers!!
Here are some threads with great information for your trip planning:
2019 Holiday Time at DLR Superthread: 11/08/19 - 1/06/20! -- this is this year's Holiday Time Superthread -- cruise through it to see what's being offered, when, where, etc. -- this will give you a good idea about events and dates and crowds -- keep up with this thread through January to see what happens with the crowd patterns
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- this is from the sticky threads at the top of the first page -- TONS of great information here!
From that sticky:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- a classic thread with lots of helpful information for you
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- so many helpful threads here!
From the above link:
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You"
www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/ -- at DLR, it isn't about being on site, it's about location, location, location! Both on site and off site have their advantages! Especially during a peak crowd time like Christmas/New Year's, you want to be within close walking distance to the parks -- what you invest in a close location will pay off huge in savings for your sanity, wear and tear on your legs and feet, and convenience.
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by
@Skyegirl1999 -
www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- study the first post in this thread and ask all FP/MP questions there -- at such a busy time of year, MP will be a huge help for you!
"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by @3TinksAndAnEeyore
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297 -- closest airport to DLR is SNA (John Wayne) -- choosing a conveniently located airport can be worth the extra dollars in airfare -- also, if you need transportation to/from the airport, there are good recommendations in that thread
If you want to see the nighttime shows, dining packages are highly recommended since your time will be so limited and the parks will be so busy. F! is almost unanimously considered to be the better show at DL (but WDW has better seating). The 3 dining packages are (in order of $$$ to $) Blue Bayou (comes with souvenir seat cushion), Riverbelle Terrace, and Hungry Bear. All 3 have excellent viewing, centered, up front by the water -- seating is on the ground, no shoulder kids, no one standing in front of you. If you do the first show, you'll be invited to stay in the viewing area to watch the fireworks -- music will be piped in and the projections will be shown on the water screens. For WOC, there should be the holiday show, Seasons of Light -- if you can swing the WOC Dessert Party, do it! Totally worth it to have a great view of a fabulous show, unique to DCA.
Dining reservations usually open up 60 days in advance (this year was an off year for that -- most books opened late this fall) -- so you have plenty of time to do your research.
Come on back with any questions!